That movie that just came out isn’t the movie you’re looking for. The movie you want to see is in 35mm. You can go about your business.
Ignore that thing that just came out! Here
we’re in the business of 35mm film screenings in LA! (Reluctantly including a
smattering of retro digital screenings.)
Side note, that “big film” was shot on 35mm
and some scenes 70mm IMAX but sadly is not (yet) being screened in 35mm (or
70mm IMAX) any closer than San Jose.! (70mm IMAX in San Jose, and I’m unaware
of a single 35mm option.) But don’t drive to San Jose, because JJ scans it in
at 2k anyway, so it loses the IMAX resolution and doesn’t look that great
scanned back out on a computer onto film, or at least is not as beautiful and essential
as the Nolan ones.
Anyway, that isn’t the movie you’re looking
for! Let’s go about your real (reel?) business:
This is just what's on my personal radar. You
can browse the LA Film Calendars links on my side bar to find even more! → → →
On mobile displays, you may need to click
"Desktop Version" at bottom and then you can see the sidebar.
Sometimes these choices are tonight, FYI, and
not necessarily listed first.
New Beverly
The
Maltese Falcon (1941, John Huston)
and
The
Black Bird (1975, David Giler)
Sun. Dec. 17 6:30 pm/8:40pm
Mon Dec. 18 7:30 pm/9:40pm
The Maltese Falcon is basically a perfect movie to me. It’s Bogie at
his best, and a knife to the heart cuts unexpectedly deep in what is not your average
film noir, from the novel by the greatest hard-boiled writer Dashiell Hammett.
Mary Astor will melt you, plus Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Elisha Cook
Jr. will blow you away with the best character-actor performances ever! Plus we
get to see the spoof The Black Bird
with George Segal and awesome French star Stéphane Audran (and Elisha Cook Jr.
again) by just staying in our seats after the first film, no extra charge. Both
35mm!
Egyptian Theatre
Lawrence
of Arabia (1962, David Lean) in 70mm!
Fri. (tonight!) Dec. 15 7:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 16 7:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 16 7:30 pm
Sun. Dec. 17 7:30 pm
As actual film gets
harder to see projected, it should be a treat to see this in 70mm if you
haven’t already seen it 10 times before..! Which some may have. Do it justice
and see this film that was shot in 70mm projected on 70mm in a brand-new print
on one of the biggest, best screens in LA. It’s a wide sweeping tale with
ramifications about politics and the formation of governments that should
intrigue even today. This will also show Dec. 28, 29, and 30 at 7:30 pm.
UCLA Film & TV Archive
Night
and the City (1950, Jules Dassin) Nitrate 35mm
print!
Sat. Dec. 16 7:30 pm
Jules Dassin is
awesome! My favorite of his is really Thieves’
Highway, but Criterion likes this one a lot, so check out this amazing
London-set film noir starring Richard Widmark, Gene Tierney and more! This is a
nitrate 35mm film print, which is the highly flammable earlier iteration of
film prints (and why so many films are lost, they burned up!) but which looks
sooo much better, as the extra silver nitrate adds more sparkle to the luminous
black and white photography (here by Max Greene). Additionally, as if that
wasn’t rare enough, they are showing the British release version of the film
which runs six minutes longer than the U.S. release and features alternate
opening and closing scenes as well as different score by composer Benjamin
Frankel. Plus there is a nitrate newsreel “News of the Day” and a nitrate
short.
LACMA
Ride
the Pink Horse (1947, Robert Montgomery)
Tue. Dec. 19 1:00 pm
The lovely rare
screenings of film noir 35mm prints at LACMA’s Tuesday matinees continues this
week with a fairly good one from Robert Montgomery. There is some stupendous
stuff in this one, including, pay attention, the opening shot is one of those
super-long unbroken takes. I didn’t notice the first time I saw it, because it
works so seamlessly with the action that transpires. So watch how long the
opening shot takes to cut. There are some great characterizations in
this film by Montgomery especially, and also Wanda Hendrix, Andrea King, and
Thomas Gomez. I feel like it doesn’t coalesce into the tightest of all film
noirs by the end, but it’s pretty damn good. Definitely something to try to see
in a theater on the big screen.
New Beverly
Victor/Victoria
(1982, Blake Edwards)
and
Murphy’s
Romance (1985, Martin Ritt)
Fri. (tonight!) Dec. 15 6:30 pm/9:15 pm
Sat. Dec. 16 6:30 pm/9:15 pm
More James Garner
stuff, little mini-festival going on I guess..! This is purely on my radar
because I never saw these, and seeing stuff like this in 35mm on the big screen
at the New Bev is the best way to check out anything you previously overlooked.
Martin Ritt has directed great films elsewhere, not sure he holds the same
appeal into the ’80s, but I’d give it a look. The Victor/Victoria one sounds more fun, as a musical comedy of fake
female impersonation. I don’t know, it may still suck. These are the films that
were aimed at my parents when I was growing up, so not too sure!
Egyptian Theatre
It’s
a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
Thur. Dec. 21 7:30 pm
Fri. Dec. 22 7:30 pm
It’s the biggest,
best screen you can see this essential classic, heartwarming film on. Albeit DCP,
this is a worthy outing. This is such a sublime example of filmmaking that exceeds
the already awesome trappings of classic Hollywood cinema to become even more
iconic and enduring – and so moving upon first viewing. It doesn’t have to be
classic to recommend it, it’s just so good!
Aero Theatre
A
Star is Born (1954, George Cukor)
Fri. (tonight!) Dec. 15 7:30 pm
This is such a
stunningly beautiful film on a big screen. It’s DCP and I so wish it was on
film, but it should still look luminous. Especially if it’s in its correct
super-wide 2.55:1 aspect ratio! It’s such a moving film as well. I used to
rarely like musicals that had little or no dancing until I saw this one, which tugs
at the emotions very effectively. I’m doing an awful job describing this film! Guess
it’s been a while, but it’s essential to me.
The Academy
Miracle
on 34th Street (1947, George
Seaton)
Tue. Dec. 19 7:00 pm
I don’t really think
I would like this movie, but it’s a new 35mm print, and that’s special. Am I a
Grinch? I guess so! But this is on one of the biggest, best screens in Los
Angeles (the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater), for a bargain 5 bucks! And
Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn are no slouches as actors.
Definitely go if you like (or would like) this movie. Plus enjoy holiday
cookies and pictures with Santa after the screening. Are you kidding?! What an
event!
Aero Theatre
The
Sound of Music (1965, Robert Wise)
Sat. Dec. 16 7:30 pm
This isn’t really on my radar, but it seems to draw
an audience always, so this is just a public service announcement that this
famous Rodgers and Hammerstein film is playing near you. Albeit on DCP. But a
nice big screen.
Aero Theatre
White
Christmas (1954, Michael Curtiz)
and
Holiday
Inn (1942, Mark Sandrich)
Sun. Dec. 17 7:30 pm
The convenience of
DCP I guess makes this holiday treat possible. Treat or terror?! I don’t know
because I haven’t seen either of these. (Your friendly neighborhood cinephile
Grinch here.) But it should be a great way to see these heartwarming classics
on the big screen for the holidays if you choose to.
Aero Theatre
Bad
Santa (2003, Terry Zwigoff)
and
Trading
Places (1983, John Landis)
Thur. Dec. 21 7:30 pm
This double feature
is far more pleasing to your neighborhood cinephile Grinch! I’d watch
these. Again, they are DCP, but this is a nice, big screen and these are some
fun films. See Eddie Murphy at his best and there's a lot to love about the
dark comedic edge of Bad Santa embodied by Billy Bob Thornton and excellent
cast including the late Bernie Mac, Brett Kelly, and Tony Cox.
New Beverly
Reservoir
Dogs (1992, Quentin Tarantino)
Fri. (tonight!) Dec. 15 11:59 pm
I rarely bother to
point out these Tarantino midnight screenings, since they are almost every
week, but, hey, reminder, they are always 35mm, and this one especially is a
superb film. It'll have 'em laughing in the aisles! Or was it that it would
have audience members running for the exits with heart troubles? Can't
remember! Better watch and find out.
Coming Next Week
Aero Theatre
Cluny
Brown (1946, Ernst Lubitsch)
and
Trouble
in Paradise (1932, Ernst Lubitsch)
Thur. Dec. 28 7:30 pm
Major highlight
here. The great comic director Ernst Lubitsch (he’s more than just comic, a
true auteur) on the big screen in one 4k DCP restoration and the other a 35mm
print of one of my favorites! The first is with Jennifer Jones and is his last
complete film about which I don’t know a lot, haven’t seen it yet. The second
is in luminous 35mm, and is an excellent, hilarious film, with Herbert Marshall,
Miriam Hopkins (she is always awesome, do not miss her!) and Kay
Francis. What a treat buried in the middle of the holidays. You don’t get to
see this stuff screened too often anymore.
New Beverly
The
Poseidon Adventure (1972, Ronald Neame)
and
Beyond
the Poseidon Adventure (1979, Irwin
Allen)
Wed.
Dec. 27 7:30 pm/10:00 pm
Thur.
Dec. 28 7:30 pm/10:00 pm
I loves me some
disaster movies! Double dose!? IN 35mm no less, I am excited. All-star casts
were the name of the game in the disaster movie heyday with Hackman, Borgnine,
Shelley Winters, Roddy McDowall and more. Then in #2 you’ve got Michael Caine,
Telly Savalas, Sally Field, Karl Malden, Shirley Jones, Jack Warden, Peter
Boyle, Slim Pickens, Mark Harmon. And they’re all gonna die! Yes! This is the
type of weird awesome slightly shitty 1970s world I want to pretend to live in at
the New Beverly. Oh, the plot? Their boat is upside-down and they’re stuck.
New Beverly
The
Hateful 8 (Roadshow Version) (2015, Quentin Tarantino)
Mon. Dec. 25 8:00 pm
No snow in LA? Gobble
up generous helpings in this snowbound epic..! It’s the roadshow version, and
while shot in 70mm, it’s gonna look just stupendous in 35mm at the New Bev. And
the score is to die for (Ennio Morricone).
New Beverly
It’s
a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
and
A
Christmas Story (1983, Bob Clark)
Fri. Dec. 22 6:30pm/9:10pm
Sat. Dec. 23 6:30pm/9:10pm
While there are options
below in DCP, leave it to the New Beverly to be the only place you can see these
two classics in 35mm on the big screen! The first is such a sublime example of
filmmaking that even exceeds the wonderful trappings of classic Hollywood
cinema to become something even more iconic and enduring – totally moving from first
viewing. And well, if you didn’t grow up watching A Christmas Story I just don’t know you! It’s okay for fun on
television at home, but is it worthy of the big screen? See if it holds up.
LACMA
Circle
of Danger (1951, Jacques Tourneur)
Tue. Dec. 26 1:00 pm
Another film noir at
LACMA in their 1:00 pm Tuesday matinee slot. I don’t know anything about this one,
but it’s been a good series so far! They were all 35mm up to now, but this one
doesn’t say, so I’m not sure. But it does have Ray Milland and Marius Goring
and is about “an American who comes to England to find out the truth behind his
brother's death during a commando operation in occupied France.”
New Beverly
Elf
(2003, Jon Favreau)
Sat. Dec. 23 2:00 pm
Sun Dec. 24 2:00 pm
Unless you want to
see the digital screenings below, this kiddee matinee is the one to see since it’s
in 35mm! I haven’t seen the film, but people seem to like it.
New Beverly
Die
Hard (1988, John McTiernan)
and
Die
Hard 2: Die Harder (1990, Renny Harlin)
Sun. Dec. 24 6:30pm/9:15 pm
What better way to
spend Christmas Eve than watching the first two Die Hards in 35mm?! It’s the New Bev again with the inside track on
the best way to experience it. First film is sold out already, but a standby
line the night of the event. Or you can still get tickets for just the sequel I
guess.
Aero Theatre
Elf
(2003, Jon Favreau)
Fri. Dec. 22 7:30 pm
You’ve heard people
rave, now go see for yourself. I can’t comment, still haven’t seen it yet!
Maybe I’ll be there?? (This screening DCP.)
Egyptian Theatre
It’s
a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
Fri. Dec. 22 7:30 pm
It’s the biggest,
best screen you can see this essential classic, heartwarming film on (oops,
except check New Bev for a 35mm screening). Albeit DCP, this is a worthy
outing. This is such a sublime example of filmmaking that even exceeds the
wonderful trappings of classic Hollywood cinema to become even more iconic and
enduring –totally moving from first viewing. It doesn’t have to be classic to
recommend it, it’s just that good!
Aero
Theatre
It’s
a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
Sat. Dec.
23 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Guys, there's a lot of originality in the screening selections this month. This time at the
Aero, it’s the West side’s biggest, best screen you can see this essential
classic, heartwarming film on. Albeit DCP, this is a worthy outing. This is
such a sublime example of filmmaking that even exceeds the wonderful trappings
of classic Hollywood cinema to become something even more iconic and enduring –totally
moving from first viewing. It doesn’t have to be classic to recommend it, it’s
just that good!
Egyptian Theatre
Jingle
All the Way (1996, Brian Levant) Brian Levant
in person!
and
Die
Hard (1988, John McTiernan)
Sat. Dec. 23 7:30 pm
I don’t know why
you’d want to do this to yourself, but here it is! Finally Jingle All the Way on the big screen with the director in person.
Can you believe it? And for good measure, watch fricking Die Hard right after on the Egyptian’s huge screen. Best way to see
what may be the most diabolically concocted double feature ever. Load up on egg
nog but not too much so you can sober up by the time Die Hard starts maybe. (This screening DCP.)
Egyptian Theatre
Lawrence
of Arabia (1962, David Lean) in 70mm!
Thur. Dec. 28 7:30 pm
Fri. Dec. 29 7:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 30 7:30 pm
Ye olde holiday
favorite is back again already after last week. As actual film gets harder to
see projected, it should be a treat to see this in 70mm if you haven’t already
seen it like 10 times before..! Which some may have. Do it justice and see this
film that was shot in 70mm projected on 70mm in a brand-new print on one of the
biggest, best screens in LA. It’s a wide sweeping tale with ramifications about
politics and the formation of governments that should intrigue even today.
New Beverly
Reservoir
Dogs (1992, Quentin Tarantino)
Fri. Dec. 22 11:59 pm
I know I rarely
bother to point out these Tarantino midnight screenings, since they are almost
every week, but, hey, reminder, they are always 35mm, and this one especially
is a superb film. It'll have 'em laughing in the aisles! Or was it that it
would have audience members running for the exits with heart troubles?
Can't remember! Better watch and find out.
